Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on Barbara Boxer’s announcement that she will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2016:

“Senator Barbara Boxer’s announcement today that she will not seek reelection to the Senate in 2016 represents a tremendous loss for the people of California and the Democratic Party. On issues including the environment, gun safety, women’s health, and education, Senator Boxer has fought tirelessly for the issues that shape the lives of the people she represents, and she will certainly be missed in the halls of Congress. As Chair of the DNC, it has been part of my mission to encourage more young women to get involved in electoral politics, and I know that I would not be in the position to do so today without women like Barbara Boxer opening the doors through which we have followed.

“Though she’ll be leaving the Senate after this term, I know that Barbara Boxer is not yet done fighting for a progressive future that ensures opportunity for all Americans.”